04 ABS axle vs 12 traction control

[shanecdunne]

Hi guys, long time lurking but it’s my first time posting(I think) I’ve got a 04 QCSB Cummins that slowly became a rock crawler/trail rig. I went out to Moab in April and managed to bend the AAM 11.5 rear axle. The front was trussed so it survived but will probabaly get upgraded too.

I picked up a set of axles from a 2012 2500 but haven’t installed them. For those that are interested some of the changes for 2010 AAM 9.25 include 1555 axle shaftujoints and 35 spline stub shafts vs 1485 33 spline others in the 03-08(09 can be weird). The serrated type flange on The 9.25 remained the same throughout the years but in 2006 the diesels got a larger 1355 unjoint on the driveshaft vs a 1344. Easy upgrade that’s been holding up well. Balljoints remain the same throughout. The differential parts are interchangeable, but if you look at 2010+ Rear the differential casting is quite a bit studier. I can tell you it doesn’t take too much to bend a 04 and both of these 2012 axles will be trussed before installation. In 2010 the Abs tone ring moves from the ring gear out to the hubs.. for traction control I imagine.

Hopefully all that is helpful for someone. But my question is does the tone ring on the ring gear do anything other than ABS? Will my transmission still shift right and speedometer still read correctly? I’d go out and unplug the sensor in the 04 differential housing and test drive it but there’s a few other projects going on with the truck and it’s unable to start or move. Any input as to which form of rear abs I should try to use? At the wheels or on the ring gear?

Pictures of of how I bent the axle are available if anyone wants to see

 

[cerberusiam]

Good example of why a heavy truck is not an optimal rock crawler. If you bent an AAM you did something extreme or need to rethink the suspension and\or weight, they are far form light duty. Differential casting makes no difference if you are bending axle tubes, diff housing don't bend they break and if you break one of the AAM housings something is bad wrong.

The tone ring on the ring gear drives ABS and vehicle speed. If the newer ones have dual tone rings you will have a problem getting vehicle speed correctly unless the sensors are exactly the same and use the same range\signal.

 

[Ozymandias]

yes, tooth count needs to be the same.
and newer vehicle hav a 4 cable setup instead of 2 like the old ones.

if above is correct then just use one of the sensors.
if not your ABS is gone, what isn't to bad for a rock crawler.

have done that in the past with a Ford Axle installed into my Jeep, same problem.

 

[shanecdunne]

Cerberusiam, I’m very aware of the weight of my truck and capability of the axles. I wasn’t asking for a lecture on practicality or blending into the Jeep crowd. It absolutely should have be trussed but just be aware the these axle housings don’t have a great reputation amount the pulling crowd either. Not uncommon to see housings spin on the tubes. With the tubes welded to differential housing and a little trussing they are very stout and a great option for things deemed “extreme.” I Doubt AAM changed the casting as a solution to a problem that didn’t exist.

Ozymandias, can you confirm the tone ring is only for ABS and not for speedometer/transmission shift points? Again I can’t test drive the truck because it’s all torn apart for this and that.

 

[GrantP]

Pics please! FWIW I have no hesitation wheeling my mega cab (where it will fit), these trucks are very capable off road.

 

[shanecdunne]

It was not long after this that I fount axle flange bolts backing out. Stephen Watson of off-road design instantly recognized it as a bent housing. Truck still wheeled hard all week! These trucks are a Great platform especially for an overlander or someone who wants to take the family, friends, dogs, etc.

 

[GrantP]

These trucks are a Great platform especially for an overlander or someone who wants to take the family, friends, dogs, etc.

I could not agree more. They are comfortable for long road trips and capable once you arrive, perfect combo.

 

[Ozymandias]

Ozymandias, can you confirm the tone ring is only for ABS and not for speedometer/transmission shift points? Again I can’t test drive the truck because it’s all torn apart for this and that.

I'll check this on saturday, not sure about the Speedo.
Shiftpoint no, for this is the Sensor in the OD Unit.

I just plug it out and look what happens.

 

[shanecdunne]

I'll check this on saturday, not sure about the Speedo.
Shiftpoint no, for this is the Sensor in the OD Unit.

I just plug it out and look what happens.

Thank you! I really appreciate that. It’ll put my mind at ease going forward